Cloves

Cloves are the aromatic dried flower buds of a tree belonging to the family Myrtaceae. In addition to being used on its own cloves are also an ingredient in many spice pastes and powders such as garam masala and curry powders. This spice is also used in a number of remedies in the traditional forms of medicine due to its medicinal properties.

Description :

• The word Clove is derived from the word clou which means nail. It is aromatic flower of the flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae.
• It is used as spice in cuisine all over the world. It originates from India. Clove tree is a evergreen tree whose height ranges from 10-20 m.
• Apart from being used in cuisine, natural clove is also used in other industries for its medicinal use and therapeutic value.

Details :

• Indian Name - Laung
• Botanical Name -  Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia aromaticum
• Family Name - Myrtaceae Parts
• Used - Flower bud
• Habitat - Indonesia
• Origin - Clove is a native of Indonesia. Clove spice is also grown in Zanzibar, Indonesia and Madagascar; it is also grown in India, and Sri Lanka.
• According to FAO, Indonesia leads the world in clove production. Nearly 80% of the clove of thew world is produced by Indonesia followed by Madagascar and Tanzania.
• Uses Culinary Uses Cloves are frequently used in dishes to impart its distinctive flavor. Since the aroma is strong hence only little is required to be used. They are generally used to "stud" hams and pork,.
• They are also frequently used in various North and South Indian dishes. In number of spice mixtures like ras el hanout, curry powders, mulling spices and pickling spices, cloves are utilized.
• Medicinal Use According to traditional herbalists, cloves are beneficial in the following problems :
  
  • Treats indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Hernia
  • Ringworm
  • Athlete's foot and other fungal infections
  • Respiratory
  • Used in anti-gout
  • Relieves toothache
  • Helpful in insomnia and curbs the desire for alcohol